JT Tuimoloau NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Ohio State EDGE

HEIGHT: 6'5"

WEIGHT: 269

POSITIVES

— Good size and frame for an NFL defensive end.

— Against the run, he's quick to get his hands up and has some pop in his hands and long arms to get extension to set the edge against offensive tackles.

— Shows decent agility to move his feet and avoid getting reached versus outside zone runs.

— Impressive upper-body strength to shed blocks.

— As a pass-rusher, his strength helps him collapse the pocket when bull-rushing against offensive tackles, and he has a solid spin move as a counter off the bull rush.

— Has a knack for sniffing out screens and quick passes, often getting his hands up at the line of scrimmage and batting passes or getting interceptions.

NEGATIVES

— Not a good athlete or quick-twitched, limiting his pass-rush arsenal.

— Accuracy and timing with his hands when rushing the passer is subpar; he's often late and misses, which allows offensive linemen to make the first significant contact and get into his body.

— Lacks bend and balance to turn tight corners at the top of the rush. Often stumbles and falls when beating tackles around the edge on the high side of the rush.

— Often late off the ball on running downs.

— Stands up out of his stance, causing him issues against double-teams and combo blocks from offensive tackles and tight ends.

NOTES

— Born May 10, 2003

— 5-star recruit in 2021 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— 2023 Second-Team All-American; First-Team All-Big Ten

— 2022 First-Team All-Big Ten

OVERALL

JT Tuimoloau projects well as a traditional hand-in-the-ground defensive end in even fronts. He has great size and can be a good run defender with his strength and physicality at the point of attack. Setting the edge is fairly easy for him, and he can get off blocks to make plays against the rushing attack.

The biggest issue with Tuimoloau is he hasn't shown a lot of athletic traits that can help him be a productive pass-rusher at the next level. He is solid with a bull rush and spin move, but he lacks twitch and bend to win around the edge consistently.

Also, the Buckeye's use of hands as a pass-rusher is a work in progress. He's often late and inaccurate with his hands or initial chops to start his finesse moves, allowing offensive tackles to make the first significant contact and get into his body.

The best way the Tuimoloau can affect the passing game is with his unique ability to sniff out screens and quick passes, often getting his hands up to bat passes at the line of scrimmage. He's even gotten two interceptions as a result of his instincts.

GRADE: 7.6 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 39

POSITION RANK: EDGE7

PRO COMPARISON: Michael Clemons

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.